Million-Dollar Motsepe-Milken Prize Awards $2 Million for Exceptional African AI Innovations Revolutionizing Manufacturing
The Milken-Motsepe Prize: Transforming Manufacturing Across Africa with AI
The Milken-Motsepe Prize, a joint initiative by the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, is now accepting applications from African companies revolutionizing manufacturing through AI and related advanced technologies. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2025 [1][2].
Who Can Apply
To be eligible, applicants must be established companies operating in Africa's manufacturing sector with a minimum of 2 years of operational history. They should be at the Series A funding stage or beyond and actively leveraging AI, advanced data analytics, smart automation, or other Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies [1].
The focus should be on reducing waste and inefficiencies, advancing workforce and job growth, and delivering measurable, scalable commercial and social impact [1]. Participating companies can be a single individual or a team and should have a proven track record of reaching underserved communities in Africa [1].
Exclusions
Individuals or entities from countries embargoed by the USA, those listed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons list or other US government sanctions lists, and current or recent employees (or immediate family members) of the Milken Institute or Motsepe Foundation are not eligible [1].
The Prize Structure
The Milken-Motsepe Prize offers a total of US$2 million in prizes. Ten semi-finalists will receive $50,000 each, and five finalists will receive $30,000 each. The Grand Prize is $1 million, with a Runner-Up Prize of $250,000 and a Prize for Most Advanced Use of 4IR technology of $100,000 [1].
What's on Offer
Beyond the monetary awards, participating companies have the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders and key decision-makers [2]. The prize aims to support African firms that are innovating with AI to improve manufacturing efficiency while fostering job creation and commercial growth across emerging markets [3].
The Milken-Motsepe Prize utilizes AI and other emerging technologies to identify and reward companies making significant strides in manufacturing transformation [3]. The winning innovation should leverage AI to deliver measurable impact in efficiency and waste loss across manufacturing value chains [3]. The focus of the winning team's innovation should be on job creation, commercial growth, and breakthroughs across the globe [3].
For more information and to apply, visit the application link.
[1] - Milken-Motsepe Prize Official Website [2] - 2025 Milken-Motsepe Prize Press Release [3] - Milken Institute Article on the Milken-Motsepe Prize
- Finalists in the Milken-Motsepe Prize, a collaboration between the Milken Institute and the Motsepe Foundation, will receive funding beyond monetary awards, with an opportunity to pitch their innovative AI-driven manufacturing solutions to industry leaders and key decision-makers, thereby fostering connections within the finance and technology sectors.
- The Milken-Motsepe Prize emphasizes the deployment of artificial-intelligence and related advanced technologies in Africa's manufacturing industry, aiming to raise funding for African firms that deliver measurable commercial and social impact by reducing waste and inefficiencies while promoting job creation and commercial growth across the continent, thus playing an instrumental role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
